Come explore what nature has in store at some of our most amazing wild places on the North Shore. Joppa Flats' engaging and experienced staff will introduce families to local beaches, forests, and wetlands to make observations in nature, identify wildlife, and enjoy hands on science activities outdoors. Sign up for one, some, or all!
There's nothing like a visit to Parker River National Wildlife Refuge for wonderful family nature experiences, and seeing the bird banding station in operation is at the top of the list. See Mass Audubon scientists evaluate and release migrant songbirds while you learn about migration and habitat use. Don't miss this chance - the bird banding station operates only during the height of migration in spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) and is very weather dependent.
Maritime Gloucester invites participants to pull up dock lines on the pier and see what marine creatures we can find! Using magnifying glasses, microscopes, and identification cards, we’ll discover as many marine invasive critters as we can. After investigating the dock, we encourage families to explore the Maritime Gloucester Campus, including the Seapocket Aquarium, the Marine Science & Education Center, and Gorton’s Seafood Gallery of Maritime Heritage in Gloucester, all free of charge.
Come to the Lynn Museum and Historical Society enjoy complimentary admission! View our latest exhibitions, buy locally made goods in our shop, take advantage of our virtual tour, or read a book in our courtyard.
Maritime Gloucester is hosting their annual Heritage Day in honor of the Gloucester Schooner Festival 2023. Step aboard a schooner, learn about traditional shipbuilding and fitting out, watch America’s oldest marine railway in action, or explore the unique biology that makes our oceans so amazing. You can find it all at Maritime Heritage Day! Maritime Gloucester will be hosting a variety of local community organizations with an exciting array of demonstrations and interactive options for all ages.
Want to learn more about our local birds and how to identify them? Joppa Flats education interns will take you on an easy walk and introduce you to a variety of birds, from egrets and herons in the salt marsh, to ducks and shorebirds along the river, to songbirds and hummingbirds at our feeders. We'll provide binoculars and field guides along with tips on how to use them. Get started on the hottest new hobby around - birding!
Come join us for a day of activities and crafts for adults and kids to get you through the long winter, including star carving, log splitting, ditty bag kits, knitting, and a holiday shop! We will be celebrating the solstice in the Waterline Center with warm drinks and baked goods. Activities range from $2 to $20 each and come with a kit for you to do by the fire this winter!
Come on your own, with friends, or bring the whole family to the museum for a special week of programming. The museum has a number of activities and pop-up surprises planned for the week of April 17-23. See our week-at-glance calendar to view the extended hours and additions for our drop-in activities, and check out the teen and family workshops listed below.
Gloucester has a variety of different habitats that animals live in under the sea! Come to Maritime Gloucester to help our aquarists create the perfect habitat for some of out animals. For kids Ages 6-10.
What makes a fish a fish? Learn about all of the shapes and sizes of local fish and discover how form follows function. Create your own unique newly-discovered species and make a fish print to take home. Feel free to bring your own light-colored T-shirt to print on! For kids ages 6-10.
